WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The R&A gave a 2015 British Open exemption to Tom Watson, affording the five-time champion a one-year extension in tribute to the 40th anniversary of his first victory.
Michael Tate, the R&A’s executive director, made the announcement Tuesday morning at the Greenbrier Resort, where Watson is preparing to play in this week’s Greenbrier Classic.
Former champions are exempt until they reach age 60, and Watson will turn 65 before next year’s British Open at St. Andrews. The R&A also allows previous champions to compete for five years following a top-10 finish, meaning the current exemption for Watson’s runner-up at Turnberry in 2009 will expire this year.
Watson owns eight major titles overall, including British Open championships at Carnoustie (1975), Turnberry (1977), Muirfield (1980), Royal Troon (1982) and Royal Birkdale (1983). But he has never conquered St. Andrews, settling for second in 1978 and 1984.
Watson last tried St. Andrews in 2010, missing the cut at 4-over.
“I remember walking over the Swilcan Bridge and feeling sadness that it was my last time,” Watson recalled Tuesday. “So if my body holds up, I’ll plan on being there in 2015. I’ll drag myself there if I have to.”